Intelligent Medicine | The Best of High Tech Medicine and Alternative Modalities

New guidelines for vitamin D recommendations per the Endocrine Society defy personalized medicine; Highlights from the Institute for Functional Medicine and American Nutrition Association meetings: Protein Power, and are new weight loss drugs a panacea?; Where can I find Wobenzyme? Any substitutes?; Does freezing bananas and cooling rice result in resistant starch?

What impact does resistant starch have on the glycemic index of foods?; What are the pros and cons of the EBT heart scan vs. the CT heart scan?; What do you suggest for dealing with severe back pain today short of surgery?; I drink a popular mushroom coffee. Is this ok to drink if you have autoimmune disease?; What do you think of testosterone supplements for weight loss, low libido and ED?

Dr. Jonathan Clinthorne, PhD and Senior Director of Nutrition at the Simply Good Foods Company details the ongoing 'diet wars' between plant-based, carnivorous, low-fat, and low-carb diets. Dr. Clinthorne shares his expertise on nutritional immunology, energy metabolism, and the benefits of low-carb dieting, particularly through his involvement with Atkins and Quest Nutrition. The conversation explores the relationship between diet and immune function, the benefits of a low-carb lifestyle for weight loss and chronic diseases like fatty liver disease, and the misconceptions around high protein intake. They also discuss the surge in popularity of GLP-1 agonist medications for weight loss and the potential benefits of low-carb diets as a supportive treatment. The episode provides comprehensive insights from personal experiences and scientific perspectives, demonstrating the significant health benefits of a well-formulated low-carb diet.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Jonathan Clinthorne, PhD, Sr. Director, Nutrition at The Simply Good Foods (parent company to Atkins and Quest Nutrition).

According to today’s guest, Dr. John Abramson, Americans are getting less bang for their buck when it comes to ever more pricey pharmaceutical drugs. Despite enormous expenditures—17.7% of our GDP—Americans are less healthy and life expectancy lags behind other developed nations. Dr. Abramson, formerly a family practice physician, turned his attention to critiquing the pharmaceutical industry when he realized over-the-top marketing of drugs was at odds with his patients’ interests. He wrote Overdosing America, and became an expert witness in a landmark class action lawsuit over the now-withdrawn drug Bextra. His new book, "Sickening: How Big Pharma Broke American Health Care—And How We Can Repair It," exposes the sleight-of-hand involved in studies that gain approval for new drugs, and how the profit motive distorts optimal drug and device development. Dr. Abramson cites the example of statins as drugs that, while helpful for some, have been vastly overhyped and overprescribed on scant evidence. He takes aim at physician education—both in medical school and post-graduate—as indoctrinating doctors to prescribe drugs with questionable efficacy and undisclosed harms. Dr. Abramson offers an insider’s critique of the medical provisions of the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act—which in fact does little to cap Americans’ skyrocketing outlays for prescription drugs.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. John Abramson, author of "Sickening: How Big Pharma Broke American Health Care—And How We Can Repair It."

Inadequate hydration found to be a risk factor for premature death; Vitamin D for Epstein Barr? Is there a “veggie pill” for diabetes? California moves to ban PFAS-laden artificial turf; Lead exposure found to be worse than thought for brain, heart; Switch to mini-blood tubes might help ICU patients avoid transfusions; What causes MS?

Why DEXA scans don’t tell the whole story about osteoporosis risk; New Apple Watch feature tells you how much healthful sunshine you’re getting; Solutions for nerve pain in neck; Finding that Ozempic helps avert kidney failure boosts weight loss drug stocks—but tanks stocks of dialysis centers; Americans on track to spend half their lives taking prescription drugs; New intranasal Covid vaccine without controversial RNA technology shows promise.

Nutritionist Leyla Muedin details the Microbiome Theory of Aging (MTA) through a comprehensive article by Ross Pelton in Integrative Medicine, a Clinician's Journal. The theory suggests that dysbiosis, or microbial imbalance in the gut, causes health problems that can accelerate biological aging by increasing inflammation, zonulin levels, intestinal permeability (leaky gut), and triggering chronic diseases. The episode covers the roles of probiotics, postbiotics, and how lifestyle factors influence the aging process. Leyla also discusses causes of dysbiosis, including diet, antibiotics, and stress, and introduces the concept of postbiotic metabolites as key regulators of health. The importance of the gut-brain axis and the effect of stress on microbiome dysfunction are also highlighted. The talk aims to provide insight into how maintaining a healthy gut microbiome can influence aging and health, setting the stage for a deeper dive in the next episode.

You might be taking too many medications; Are there any dangers of taking apple cider vinegar daily long term? How much is too much?; How can I prevent yet another bout of shingles? What do you think of the vaccine?

My friend has spondylolisthesis and would like to avoid surgery. Any suggestions?; Protecting your free speech; Can food allergy reactions impact CGMs with glucose spikes? Is there a relationship?; A comment and thoughts on the state of school lunches.

The Covid pandemic should’ve served as a wake-up call, highlighting our vulnerabilities as a nation. Ross Arena, Ph.D., professor of physical therapy at the University of Illinois Chicago, is spearheading a bold initiative called HL-PIVOT to underscore the role that healthy lifestyle plays in enhancing resilience. He is lead author of a new paper that demonstrates the roles that obesity, poor diet, smoking, and inadequate sleep play in setting the stage for poor Covid outcomes. Instead of a pandemic, he argues that we’re experiencing a “syndemic”—a perfect storm of chronic diseases that in themselves exact a terrible toll of chronic illness, but at the same time render Americans more susceptible to Covid. The surprising disparity between US regions with healthier, more active populations versus sedentary precincts within “food deserts” spotlights the important role lifestyle plays as a mediator of Covid severity. Arena argues that this has important social justice implications, with underserved populations experiencing the brunt of the syndemic.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Ross Arena, Ph.D., professor of physical therapy at the University of Illinois Chicago.

Dr. Ross Pelton, a renowned expert on the microbiome and Director of Science and Education for Essential Formulas, Inc. discusses the 'oral probiotic dilemma,' highlighting the challenges and misconceptions about probiotics, the importance of dietary fibers and polyphenols, and the role of postbiotic metabolites in health. He details scientific studies demonstrating the benefits of optimizing the gut microbiome and explores Dr. Ohhira's probiotics and their unique fermentation process. The episode also touches on the broader health impacts of a healthy gut microbiome, including its potential in anti-aging, cancer treatment, and overall wellness.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Ross Pelton, R.Ph., Ph.D., CCN, Science & Education Director for Essential Formulas, makers of Dr. Ohhira's Probiotics.

“Food is Medicine” campaign lobbies Congress in effort to stem tide of diet-related diseases; Yohimbe—is it safe for libido, weight loss? Hydrogen water—is that a thing? Research shows pervasiveness of sex drive declines with new GLP-1 drugs; Curcumin scores vs. fatty liver disease; Krill fails test against knee osteoarthritis pain; Anger’s harmful effects not just mental, takes physical toll, too.

Nutritionist Leyla Muedin details the importance of good nutrition, particularly in underserved communities. She highlights a study published in the journal Prevention of Chronic Disease 2024, which assessed a distribution model designed to increase access to affordable fruits and vegetables in these areas, known as food deserts. The program, 'Good for All,' showed positive outcomes, increasing fruit and vegetable consumption among participants. Leyla also advocates for Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), emphasizing its benefits for both consumers and local farmers. She encourages listeners to support local agriculture by purchasing CSA shares, highlighting the advantages of eating fresh, seasonal produce and contributing to local economies.

Looking to AI for medical advice? Beware of hallucinations!; A preview of The War Against Keto—why socials are shadow-banning posts; What blood tests do you recommend for a senior male to “cover all bases”?; Could the tingling in my fingers be nerve-related?

Who is that integrative rheumatologist interviewed on a recent Intelligent Medicine podcast?; Do you think peptide therapy is safe? Is BCP-157 worth trying for psoriatic arthritis?; My husband's total cholesterol is 138. Isn't that too low? Should he cut back on his Lipitor?; I'm unable to listen to the podcasts. Are transcripts available?; Is there a danger in getting too high a dose of vitamins and minerals from a quality multi?

Rob Verkerk, the founder and executive director of the Alliance for Natural Health has a deep-dive into the importance of safeguarding natural and sustainable healthcare options, highlighting current campaigns by the Alliance for Natural Health advocating for free speech in health matters. Amidst a backdrop of increasing censorship and control over health-related information, particularly on social media platforms, they touch on the implications of WHO's pandemic policies and the narrowing of discourse around medical ethics and informed consent. The conversation critically examines how misinformation policies on platforms like YouTube threaten the pluralism of health information, emphasizing the significance of informed public discourse on natural health and environmental concerns. Hoffman and Verkerk underscore the pressing need for a balanced, honest representation of health information to empower personal healthcare decisions.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Rob Verkerk, Founder, Alliance for Natural Health, Executive & Scientific Director Alliance for Natural Health International & Alliance for Natural Health USA.

Nathan Jones, CEO and Founder of Xlear, Inc., details the role of Xylitol in addressing seasonal allergies and dental health. He emphasizes the importance of nasal hygiene, the use of Xylitol for allergy relief, and the need for greater integration of natural remedies in public health strategies despite regulatory obstacles. He discusses challenges faced by the natural products industry due to stringent regulations imposed by the FTC.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Nathan Jones, CEO and Founder of Xlear, Inc.

Q: What did Paleo humans eat? A: It depends! Reversing muscle weakness; Weight lifting is not just for muscle-heads; Diet trumps drugs for IBS; Solutions for fatty liver; Tryptophan vs. stress-induced emotional eating; Dr. Derrick Lonsdale, nutrition pioneer, dies at 100; Alternatives to drugs for weight loss.

Novel solutions promise relief from poison oak/ivy; New blood tests accurately predict cancer; Can you reverse coronary artery plaque? Elevated liver enzymes on routine blood test—what does it mean? DIY acupressure found to deliver relief from knee pain; “Detox socks” and foot baths—are they for real?

Nutritionist Leyla Muedin discusses the influence of digital platform food marketing on teenagers and raises concerns about pesticide residues in commonly consumed food items. Drawing on findings from the Public Health Nutrition Journal, Leyla explains how teens are targeted by food advertisers on social media through strategic campaigns that influence their food choices, often promoting unhealthy products like fast food and sugary drinks. Leyla criticizes the unethical nature of these marketing practices, emphasizing their potential to shape teen dietary habits negatively. The episode also covers a pilot study from the Journal of Exposure Scientific Environmental Epidemiology detailing the presence of Chlormequat, a plant growth regulator, in food and urine samples, highlighting its potential risks to human health, including reduced fertility and fetal development issues. Leyla advocates for increased media literacy, stricter regulatory measures to protect young consumers, and encourages organic food choices to minimize pesticide exposure.

Highlights from Dr. Hoffman's trip to Scotland -- Some insights on this trip through the lens of health; “When I'm doing my HIIT training, the instructor keeps reminding us to breathe. Is this really important?” “I'm having trouble swallowing my my vitamins. Should I be concerned?” “I fast regularly and feel great on one meal a day. What can I do about insomnia?”

“Is there a cure for tinnitus? What do you recommend?” “I'm in my mid sixties. Should I be concerned about my heart rate going too high while exercising?” “My friend has lupus and Castleman's disease. Any suggestions?” “Does milk in coffee keep a person from absorbing polyphenols?”

Neil Levin, a clinical nutritionist and expert formulator for Protocol for Life Balance details nutritional support for brain health. He covers the rising burden of Alzheimer's and cognitive decline, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle factors such as diet, sleep, and exercise in supporting brain function. Levin shares insights on how changes in the brain, including the development of plaques and tangles, free radical damage, and inflammation, affect aging and cognitive health. He reveals nutritional approaches to address these issues, including the roles of magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and specific nutrients like curcumin and GABA in supporting brain health. The podcast episode also delves into the benefits of certain supplements like Magtein (magnesium L-threonate) and Cogumin SLCP (a form of curcumin), discussing their efficacy in crossing the blood-brain barrier and supporting cognitive function.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Neil Levin, the Senior Nutrition Education Manager and a product formulator for NOW(r) Foods and Protocol for Life Balance.

Dr. Mark Horowitz, a Clinical Research Fellow in Psychiatry from the UK and co-author of “The Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines: Antidepressants, Benzodiazepines, Gabapentinoids and Z-drugs,” delves into the complexities of deprescribing psychiatric medications such as antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and sleep aids. Dr. Horowitz outlines the origins and importance of the deprescribing movement, explaining how polypharmacy and overprescription have necessitated a careful approach to reducing medication loads safely. He discusses the physiological and withdrawal challenges faced by patients on long-term psychiatric medication, emphasizing the vital role of slow and individualized tapering processes. He covers the substantial influence of pharmaceutical companies on prescription guidelines in the US compared to the UK, shedding light on the differences in medication usage and prescribing cultures. Dr. Horowitz also debunks the chemical imbalance theory of depression, arguing for a more nuanced understanding of mental health issues and their treatment. He introduces Outro, a new clinic founded by Dr. Horowitz in California, aimed at supporting individuals through the deprescribing process.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Mark Horowitz, co-author of "The Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines: Antidepressants, Benzodiazepines, Gabapentinoids and Z-drugs."

“Sitting is the new smoking”—how best to use short bouts of exercise to reduce hazards of prolonged inactivity; Should we be concerned about the chemicals used to make decaf coffee? Can tinnitus damage the brain? Berberine combats insulin resistance; A healthy diet can’t overcome the adverse effects of sleep deprivation on blood sugar control; How long should a person take Prolia for osteoporosis? Can adequate sleep fend off bone loss? Olive oil vs. dementia.

After weight loss, the type of diet you follow can forestall metabolic slow-down; Solutions for an inflamed GI tract; A new way exercise reduces heart risk—by decreasing stress in the brain; Is Zetia a good alternative to statins? What is the best natural sweetener? Supplementation with selenium and CoQ10 helps thyroid function in seniors; Alliance for Natural Health launches campaign to prevent social media censorship of truthful health information.

Nutritionist Leyla Muedin “weighs in” with the distinctions between food allergies, sensitivities, and intolerances, as well as the importance of identifying and addressing them. She also delves into the potential healing of food reactivities through methods like enzyme supplementation and gut healing protocols. Emphasis is placed on reintroducing foods gradually, the impact of eating behaviors on digestion, and the significance of mindful eating for overall health and well-being.

Study: Glycemic impact the same among grains -- whole and refined; Can you comment on Spermidine as an anti-aging supplement? Does it work the same as NAD?; More comments on Consumer Labs and their critiques.

Is there anything you can suggest to people with MGUS to proactively keep multiple myeloma at bay?; Would you please comment on the recent study that showed no benefits to time-restricted eating?; Our 12-year-old grandson has Sever's disease. Any supplements you would recommend for him?

Infertility is an increasing problem. Many couples are facing challenges, but few realize that men are an important part of the fertility equation. Sperm quality is recognized to be declining worldwide. Ayla Barmmer, a Registered Dietician and functional medicine practitioner is the founder and CEO of FullWell, a fertility wellness and education brand. She discusses lifestyle factors that affect fertility: exercise, diet, weight optimization, stress, and sleep. Additionally, environmental toxicity can take a toll on sperm and egg viability. A few specific nutrients are essential for fertility optimization, which she enumerates. Not only can barriers to pregnancy be surmounted, but proper pre-conceptual planning can optimize the physical and mental health of offspring—even with lasting trans-generational effects for descendants.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Ayla Barmmer, a Registered Dietician and functional medicine practitioner, and founder and CEO of FullWell, a fertility wellness and education brand.

Current ways of visualizing the coronary arteries with calcium scoring are limited: the presence of calcium doesn’t always determine risk; its absence doesn’t fully eliminate the possibility of soft plaque, which is actually more dangerous than stable calcium deposits. Dr. James Min is an expert on cardiovascular imaging and founder and CEO of Cleerly, a company that has developed an improved scan that can differentiate between dangerous unstable plaque, and more benign lesions. The test can be used to establish risk, and then medication and/or lifestyle modification with diet, stress reduction, exercise and supplements can be undertaken. Subsequent tests can yield a report card for how successful the preventive interventions have been. Dr. Min emphasizes that even in settings of high cholesterol the test can show minimal risk, reducing the need for cholesterol medication; conversely, people with low cholesterol may have substantial dangerous plaque. The Cleerly test promises to revolutionize our approach to cardiovascular prevention.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. James Min, an expert on cardiovascular imaging and founder and CEO of Cleerly, a company that has developed an improved scan that can differentiate between dangerous unstable plaque, and more benign lesions.

The Standard American Diet (SAD) is truly sad; Twin experiment reveals health and mood tolls of ultra-processed food; Can Jets’ Aaron Rodgers make a comeback after Achilles heel rupture? Bergamot for cholesterol? The debate over “moderate drinking”; Oral anticoagulants can increase osteoporosis risk; Why calcium carbonate is a poor choice for bone health

Why you shouldn’t rely on Chat GPT for cancer treatment options; How stress undermines your immune system defense against cancer; Keto diet + supplements for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS); Can Plavix make you dizzy? Berberine for blood sugar; Why a B complex supplement might give you stomach problems; Widely used emulsifiers in processed foods may hike heart risk; N-acetylcysteine staves off obesity complications.

"Leyla Weighs In: on the differences between food allergies, sensitivities, and intolerances, highlighting the immune responses involved and common triggers. She also explores the rise in food reactivity, the impact on conditions like IBS and inflammatory bowel disease, and the role of environmental factors in gut health.

Selfies are driving up plastic surgery; Are either glucosamine hydrochloride or potassium sulfate bad for you--especially after long-term use?; What do you think of ZipSlim for weight loss?; Despite being on a strict diet, my cholesterol is 300 and increasing. I would like to avoid statins--what do you recommend?

Use of magnesium in Crohn's disease; Study: Association of habitual alcohol intake with risk of cardiovascular disease; If one is taking vitamin C, is a collagen supplement for the skin superfluous?; Is there a good treatment for varicose veins?

The Annatto plant is valued as a rich source of tocotrienols and a novel, newly-discovered nutraceutical: geranylgeraniol (GG). Dr. Barrie Tan, a Ph.D. biochemist who discovered GG, and Dr. David Brady, former director of the Human Nutrition Institute at the University of Bridgeport and author of numerous books and scientific papers, join us to discuss the roles of tocotrienols and GG in human health. Traditional forms of vitamin E supplements—the tocopherols—are being superseded by tocotrienols as more therapeutic forms of vitamin E. Tocotrienols have shown promise in oncology, for supporting liver health, and for protecting cell membranes as potent fat-soluble antioxidants. GG is ubiquitous as a precursor of diverse compounds including CoQ10, active vitamin K, sex steroids, and proteins. It is useful as a general preventive supplement as well as for specific applications like offsetting CoQ10 depletion in statin users, in metabolic syndrome, and for staving off sarcopenia. Drs. Brady and Tan share their experience in dosing Annatto products, which come in a variety of iterations, alone or teamed with other supplements.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Barrie Tan, a Ph.D. biochemist who discovered GG, and Dr. David Brady, former director of the Human Nutrition Institute at the University of Bridgeport.

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is a diagnosis that offers a new way of understanding patients with a wide array of elusive symptoms, resistant to conventional therapy. Dr. Tania Dempsey, an expert in dealing with complex diseases, has performed extensive research in collaboration with Dr. Lawrence Afrin, author of "Never Bet Against Occam: Mast Cell Activation Disease and the Modern Epidemics of Chronic Illness and Medical Complexity." Dr. Dempsey explains the many manifestations of MCAS, which go beyond mere classical allergies, including headaches, psychiatric symptoms, gastrointestinal problems, and even gynecological and urological complaints. Certain medications can help treat it, along with diet and natural supplements like quercetin, DAO, and luteolin. Triggers may include mold, environmental toxins, stress, and tick-borne infections. There’s even speculation that MCAS may be responsible for some of the symptoms of Long Covid.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Tania Dempsey, an expert in dealing with complex diseases, about Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS).